Eyewear for reducing symptoms of computer vision syndrome

ABSTRACT

Computer eyewear for reducing the effects of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). In one embodiment, the eyewear comprises a frame and two lenses. In some embodiments, the frame and lenses have a wrap-around design to reduce air flow in the vicinity of the eyes. The lenses can have optical power in the range of approximately +0.5 to +2.5 diopters for reducing accommodation demands on a user&#39;s eyes when using a computer. The lenses can also include prismatic power for reducing convergence demand on a user&#39;s eyes when sitting at a computer. The lenses can also include a partially transmissive mirror coating, tinting, and anti-reflective coatings. In one embodiment, a partially transmissive mirror coating or tinting spectrally filters light to remove spectral peaks in fluorescent or incandescent lighting.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/746,017, filed on May 8, 2007 and entitled “EYEWEAR FOR REDUCINGSYMPTOMS OF COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME,” which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of the invention relates to eyewear, and more particularly toeyewear for enhancing a user's experience when viewing a computerscreen, or other near object, for extended periods of time.

2. Description of the Related Art

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition which can result fromfocusing the eyes on a computer display for protracted periods of time.Common symptoms of CVS are blurred vision, headaches, musculoskeletalpain and fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, difficulty in focusing the eyesat various distances, double vision, and light sensitivity. Due in partto the prevalence of extended computer usage in many vocations, CVS is aproblem that does now, or may in the future, afflict millions ofindividuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of eyewear for viewing a near object, such as acomputer screen, for extended periods of time are described herein.

In some embodiments stock computer eyewear is disclosed, the stockcomputer eyewear comprising: first and second lens portions each havingoptical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, saidfirst and second lens portions having substantially identical opticalpower to provide off-the-shelf correction for a user havingsubstantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision when viewing acomputer screen, each lens portion having a base curve and an ocularcurve; and a frame portion disposed about said first and second lensportions to provide support, wherein said base curve of said first andsecond lens portions includes a partially transmissive minor coatingthereon.

In some embodiments a method of mitigating symptoms of computer visionsyndrome when viewing a computer screen is disclosed, said methodcomprising: disposing first and second lens portions in front of eyeshaving substantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision, each lensportion having substantially identical optical power in the rangebetween about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, each lens portion having apartially transmissive mirror coating thereon; and viewing said computerscreen through said first and second lens portions.

In some embodiments a kit for mitigating symptoms of computer visionsyndrome when viewing a computer screen is disclosed, said kitcomprising: eyewear comprising first and second non-progressive lensportions, each lens portion having substantially identical optical powerin the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, each lens portionhaving a partially transmissive mirror coating thereon; and informationdirecting a user to wear said eyewear when viewing a computer screen.

In some embodiments a kit is disclosed, said kit comprising: a packageof three or more pairs of computer eyeglasses, said computer eyeglassescomprising, first and second lens portions each having optical power inthe range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, said first and secondlens portions having substantially identical optical power to providenon-prescription correction for viewing a computer screen; and a frameportion disposed about said first and second lens portions to providesupport, wherein said first and second lens portions include a partiallyreflective mirror coating thereon.

In some embodiments a method of mass manufacturing computer eyewear isdisclosed, said method comprising: without knowing the prescription of auser, producing a plurality of eyewear, each of said eyewear produced bycombining left and right lens portions having optical power in the rangebetween about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, said left and right lens portionshaving substantially identical optical power to provide non-prescriptioncorrection for left or right eyes for viewing a computer screen, whereinsaid left and right lens portions have a partially transmissive minorcoating.

In some embodiments computer eyewear is disclosed, said computer eyewearcomprising: first and second lens portions with substantially equaloptical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, saidfirst and second lens portions having substantially identical opticalpower to provide non-prescription correction for viewing a computerscreen; and a frame portion disposed about said first and second lensportions to provide support, wherein said first and second lens portionsinclude an optical filter having at least one stop band in the visiblespectrum that coincides with a spectral peak in the emission ofincandescent or fluorescent lighting such that transmission of saidspectral peak through said filter is selectively attenuated.

In some embodiments a method of mass manufacturing computer eyewear isdisclosed, said method comprising: without knowing the prescription of auser, producing first and second lens portions with substantially equaloptical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, saidfirst and second lens portions having substantially identical opticalpower to provide non-prescription correction for viewing a computerscreen, wherein said lens portions include a spectral optical filterhaving at least one stop band in the visible spectrum that coincideswith a spectral peak in the emission of incandescent or fluorescentlighting such that transmission of said spectral peak through saidfilter is selectively attenuated.

In some embodiments a method of mitigating symptoms of computer visionsyndrome when viewing a computer screen is disclosed, said methodcomprising: disposing first and second lens portions in front of eyeshaving substantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision, each lensportion having substantially identical optical power in the rangebetween about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, each lens portion having apartially transmissive mirror coating thereon, said mirror coatingcomprising a spectral optical filter having at least one stop band inthe visible spectrum that coincides with a spectral peak in the emissionof incandescent or fluorescent lighting such that transmission of saidspectral peak through said mirror coating is selectively attenuated; andviewing said computer screen through said first and second lensportions.

In some embodiments computer eyewear is disclosed, said computer eyewearcomprising: first and second lens portions each having optical power inthe range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, said first and secondlens portions having substantially identical optical power to providenon-prescription correction for viewing a computer screen; a frameportion disposed about said first and second lens portions to providesupport; and a plurality of side-shields which are removably attached tosaid eyewear and are configured to at least partially block light andair flow.

In some embodiments a kit is disclosed, said kit comprising: computereyewear comprising, first and second lens portions each having opticalpower in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, said first andsecond lens portions having substantially identical optical power toprovide non-prescription correction for viewing a computer screen, and aframe portion disposed about said first and second lens portions toprovide support; and a plurality of side-shields which are detachablefrom the eyewear and are configured to block light and air flow.

In some embodiments non-prescription computer eyewear is disclosed, saidnon-prescription computer eyewear comprising: first and second lensportions having optical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5diopters, said first and second lens portions having substantiallyidentical optical power to provide off-the-shelf correction for a userhaving substantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision when viewinga computer screen, each lens portion having a peripheral region and acentral region; and a frame portion disposed about said first and secondlens portions to provide support, wherein said first and second lensportions have a transmissivity that varies smoothly from said peripheralregions to said central regions.

In some embodiments non-prescription computer eyewear is disclosed, saidnon-prescription computer eyewear comprising: first and second lenseshaving optical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters,said first and second lenses having substantially identical opticalpower to provide non-prescription correction for viewing a computerscreen; and a frame portion disposed about said first and second lensesto provide support, wherein said first and second lenses include lightabsorbing tinting, the absorptivity of which substantially varies, saidtinting covering at least 90% of said lenses.

In some embodiments non-prescription computer eyewear is disclosed, saidnon-prescription computer eyewear comprising: first and second lenseshaving optical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters,said first and second lenses having substantially identical opticalpower to provide off-the-shelf correction for a user havingsubstantially normal uncorrected or spectacle vision when viewing acomputer screen; and a frame portion disposed about said first andsecond lenses to provide support, wherein said first and second lensesinclude light absorbing tinting, the absorptivity of which variesbetween a non-zero baseline lower level and an upper level.

In some embodiments stock computer eyewear is disclosed, said stockcomputer eyewear comprising: a first lens having a first geometriccenter and a first optical center offset from the first geometriccenter; and a second lens having a second geometric center and a secondoptical center offset from the second geometric center, wherein saidfirst and second lenses have substantially identical optical power inthe range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters to provide off-the-shelfcorrection for a user having normal uncorrected or spectacle vision whenviewing a computer screen.

In some embodiments stock computer eyewear is disclosed, said stockcomputer eyewear comprising: a first lens having a first lateral edgeand a first medial edge, the first lens having a greater thickness atthe first medial edge than at the first lateral edge; and a second lenshaving a second lateral edge and a second medial edge, the second lenshaving a greater thickness at the second medial edge than at the secondlateral edge, wherein said first and second lenses have substantiallyidentical optical power in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 dioptersto provide off-the-shelf correction for a user having normal uncorrectedor spectacle vision when viewing a computer screen.

In some embodiments stock computer eyewear is disclosed, said stockcomputer eyewear comprising: first and second lenses each having opticalpower in the range between about +0.5 to +2.5 diopters, said first andsecond lenses having substantially identical optical power to provideoff-the-shelf correction for a user having normal uncorrected orspectacle vision when viewing a computer screen, each lens having a basecurve and an ocular curve; and a frame portion disposed about said firstand second lens portions to provide support, wherein said eyewear has abase curvature of at least base six.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It isto be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may beachieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention.Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taughtor suggested herein. Certain embodiments are schematically illustratedin the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of eyewear that mitigates the symptomsof computer vision syndrome, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the eyewear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the eyewear of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of eyewear with decentered lenses for use in awrap-around design, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a lens of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of eyewear that includes removableside-shields for reducing symptoms of computer vision syndrome,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a plot of the visible spectral emission of a typicalfluorescent lamp;

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatment forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens;

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatmentfor performing spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of an optical treatment forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens; and

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of an optical treatment forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Example embodiments of eyewear for enhancing the experience of viewing anear object, such as a computer screen, for extended periods of time aredescribed herein. The eyewear is non-prescription eyewear; it can beused without the requirement of an optometric examination and can bemass-manufactured without regard to the specific optical prescription ofthe end-user's eyes.

As described herein, computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a condition whichcan result from focusing the eyes on a computer display for protractedperiods of time. Common symptoms of CVS are blurred vision, headaches,musculoskeletal pain and fatigue, eye strain, dry eyes, difficulty infocusing the eyes at various distances, double vision, and lightsensitivity.

Relaxed eyes focus at a distance called the resting point ofaccommodation. For normal, healthy eyes, the resting point ofaccommodation is further away than the typical range of distances forviewing a computer monitor or other relatively near object upon which aperson may fixate for substantial periods of time. Therefore, viewing acomputer screen typically requires eye muscles to contract to bring animage of the screen, formed by the physiologic lenses, into focus at theretinas. This process of contracting eye muscles to increase the opticalpower of the corneal lenses is called accommodation. With extended,repetitive use, eye muscles used for accommodation tire. When theaccommodation system begins to fail, an adaptation used to help clearoptical blur is the pin-hole effect created by squinting. The increaseduse of facial muscles for the purpose of squinting and repetitive use ofthe intra-ocular muscles of the accommodative system can create some ofthe discomfort associated with many symptoms of CVS. In some cases,repetitive viewing of near objects, such as a computer screen, can evenlead to long-term vision degeneration.

Vergence demand can also lead to symptoms of CVS. Vergence is thesimultaneous movement of the eyes in opposite directions to maintainbinocular vision. Just as normal eyes have a resting point ofaccommodation, they also have a resting point of vergence. Typically,the resting point of vergence causes the respective lines of sight ofthe left and right eyes to converge at a point that is further away thanthe typical viewing distance of a computer monitor. When viewing a nearobject, such as a computer monitor, eye muscles must rotate the eyesinwardly (toward the nose) so that both eyes converge upon the samepoint. As is the case for use of eye muscles for accommodation, extendedcontraction of eye muscles to converge on a near point can causediscomfort as well as vision problems. In addition, the systems ofvergence and accommodation are linked in the brain stem. When the eyesaccommodate, they converge. Some imbalances between these systems cancause symptoms of CVS with extended near work.

While many symptoms of CVS are caused by strain in the eye and facemuscles to meet accommodation and vergence demands while viewingrelatively near objects, there are also other factors which contributeto CVS. For example, studies have shown that people tend to blink lessoften than normal while viewing a computer screen or concentrating onnear objects. Staring and decreased frequency of blinking can cause theeyes to dry out, leading to discomfort. Making matters still worse isthe fact that many work environments include relatively dry air currentsfrom HVAC equipment that increase tear evaporation and dryness in theeyes.

Some embodiments of the eyewear described herein mitigate symptomsgenerally associated with CVS. For example, some embodiments of theeyewear include lenses with a relatively small amount of optical powerfor lessening accommodation demands upon a user's eyes while viewing acomputer screen through the eyewear at a typical working distance. Theeyewear can also include an amount of prismatic power for lesseningconvergence demands upon a user's eyes while viewing a computer screenthrough the eyewear at a typical working distance. Some embodiments ofthe eyewear also include optical coatings, and other types of opticaltreatments, for performing spectral and spatial filtering upon lightpassing through the lenses in order to achieve desirable effectsdescribed herein, such as altering the spectrum of light that isincident upon the user's retinas.

In some embodiments, the eyewear has a wrap-around design. Thewrap-around design shields the eyes from air currents that couldotherwise deprive the eyes of their natural moisture, helping to preventuncomfortable dryness of the eyes. The eyewear may also includeadditional features for lessening air currents in the vicinity of theuser's eyes, such as side-shields removably attached to the eyewear. Insome embodiments, the wrap-around design, removable side-shields, andother features also aid in blocking extraneous light from reaching auser's eyes. Such extraneous light can increase glare, making it moredifficult for a user to comfortably view an object such as a computermonitor.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of computer eyewear 110 that mitigatesthe symptoms of computer vision syndrome, according to one embodiment.The computer eyewear 110 includes a frame 115, left and right lenses120, left and right ear stems 125, and a nose piece 130. FIG. 2 is afront perspective view of the computer eyewear 110 of FIG. 1, while FIG.3 is a side perspective view of the computer eyewear 110 of FIG. 1.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the frame 115 is configured to support thelenses 120 in front of a user's eyes. The frame 115 is illustrated as aunitary piece with enclosures for the lenses 120 connected by a bridgeportion 16. The bridge portion 16 is located at a medial region of thecomputer eyewear 110 and helps support the computer eyewear 110 on auser's nose. The frame 115 is coupled to left and right ear stems 125 atleft and right lateral regions of the computer eyewear 110.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate only a single embodiment of the frame 115 and oneskilled in the art will recognize that computer eyewear frames can takemany different shapes, sizes, and styles to suit the needs and aesthetictastes of a wide variety of individuals. For example, the frame 115 maynot be a unitary part but may instead comprise several pieces which arecoupled together to form the frame 115. In some embodiments, the frame115 does not entirely enclose the lenses 120 but instead supports themby one or more edges of the lenses 120. For example, the frame 115 maysupport the lenses 120 by their top edge 121 such that the lenses 120suspend from the frame 115 downward in front of a user's eyes. Moreover,in some embodiments, the frame 115 need not support the lenses 120 bytheir edges but may instead be coupled to a surface of the lenses 120 bya fastener or adhesive.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the computer eyewear 110 also includes left andright ear stems 125 for supporting the eyewear 110 on a user's ears. Theear stems 125 are coupled to the frame 115 by hinges 126. The computereyewear 110 also includes a nose piece 130 for supporting the eyewear110 on a user's nose. It should be understood that any type of ear stem,hinge, nosepiece, or the like can be used with various embodiments ofthe computer eyewear 110. In addition, not all embodiments include eachof the features illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, and some embodiments includeadditional features. For example, in some embodiments the computereyewear 110 includes one or more straps to secure the eyewear to auser's head or clips to attach the computer eyewear 110 to a user'sprescriptions eyeglasses.

In some embodiments, the frame 115 and/or ear stems 125 are made ofmetal, though other materials, such as plastics can also be used.Generally speaking, the frame 115 and ear stem 125 material can bechosen based on its strength, durability, density, and appearance. Insome embodiments, relatively strong, low-density metals areadvantageously chosen for the frame 115 and/or ear stem 125 material.For example, strong, light-weight metals such as aluminum, magnesium,titanium, alloys of the same, and the like can be used. These materialsallow for the design of sturdy, light-weight eyewear 110. Othermaterials may also be used.

Since the overall weight of the computer eyewear 110 is significantlyaffected by the weight of the frame 115 and ear stems 125, the usage oflow-weight materials results in computer eyewear 110 that is morecomfortable for a user over long periods of time than if a densermaterial had been chosen. For example, it may be typical for a user towear the computer eyewear 110 for periods of up to ten hours per day orlonger viewing a computer screen. In some embodiments, the user's levelof comfort while using the computer eyewear 110 is enhanced because theoverall weight of the computer eyewear 110 does not exceed approximately40 grams. For example, in some embodiments the overall weight of thecomputer eyewear 110 is less than approximately 30 grams. In someembodiments, the overall weight of the computer eyewear 110 is less thanapproximately 20 grams. In some embodiments, the overall weight of thecomputer eyewear 110 is less than approximately 15 grams. Values outsidethese ranges are also possible.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the computer eyewear 110 has a dual-lensdesign with left and right lenses 120. In other embodiments, thecomputer eyewear 110 may have a unitary lens structure with separateregions of optical power positioned in front of the user's eyes. Thelenses 120 have an ocular curve, which comprises the eye-side surface ofthe lenses 120, and a base curve, which comprises the opposing, orouter, surface of the lenses 120. As described herein, the lenses 120can include a minor coating, tinting, an anti-reflective (AR) coating,combinations of the same, or the like on one or more of the base andocular lens surfaces.

The lenses 120 are positive-power, or converging, lenses that reduce theaccommodation demand upon a user's eyes while viewing a computer screenor other relatively near object upon which the user fixates forsignificant periods of time. The accommodative demand is lessenedbecause the positive optical power of the lenses 120 sets the user'sresting point of accommodation at a distance that is closer to thedistance of the computer screen, or other object, that the user isviewing while wearing the eyewear 110. Since the positive optical powerof the lenses 120 reduces accommodative demand, the user's eye musclesare permitted to relax, which in turn mitigates various symptoms of CVS.

In addition, the positive optical power of the lenses 120 may providesome magnification of objects nearer to the user than approximately thefocal length of the lenses 120 by forming an enlarged virtual image ofthe object. Thus, in the case of a computer screen viewed at a distanceless than the focal length of the lenses 120, text and images appearingon the computer screen are somewhat enlarged, allowing the user to readfont sizes or see other details that would have been more difficult toperceive in the absence of the lenses 120.

In some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 is greater thanor equal to approximately +0.5 diopters and less than or equal toapproximately +0.75 diopters. In some embodiments, the optical power ofthe lenses 120 is greater than or equal to approximately +0.75 dioptersand less than or equal to approximately +1 diopter. In some embodiments,the optical power of the lenses 120 is greater than or equal toapproximately +1 diopter and less than or equal to approximately +1.125diopters. In some embodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 isgreater than or equal to approximately +1.125 diopters and less than orequal to approximately +1.5 diopters. In some embodiments, the opticalpower of the lenses 120 is greater than or equal to approximately +1.5diopters and less than or equal to approximately +1.75 diopters. In someembodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 is greater than orequal to approximately +1.75 diopters and less than or equal toapproximately +2 diopters. In some embodiments, the optical power of thelenses 120 is greater than or equal to approximately +2 diopters andless than or equal to approximately +2.125 diopters. In someembodiments, the optical power of the lenses 120 is greater than orequal to approximately +2.125 diopters and less than or equal toapproximately +2.5 diopters.

The particular optical power chosen for the lenses 120 in an embodimentwill generally depend upon the physical set-up of the user's workspace,such as the distance between a user and his computer screen, as well asthe user's viewing preferences, and, in some embodiments, the user'seyesight. In some embodiments, the eyewear 110 is off-the-shelf,non-prescription eyewear, such that the optical power in each of thelenses 120 is substantially identical.

Various lens shapes can be used to achieve the desired optical power,according to various embodiments. For example, the lenses 120 can have aconvex, plano-convex, or convex-concave shape. Other shapes can also beused to achieve lenses 120 with optical power in the range betweenapproximately +0.5 and +2.5 diopters, and are known to those skilled inthe art. The lenses 120 can be spherical or aspheric. While in theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 the lenses 120 are non-progressivelenses, progressive lenses can also be used.

In addition to being designed with an amount of focusing power, thelenses 120 can also be designed to display an amount of base-inprismatic power. The resting point of vergence of normal, healthy eyesis typically more distant than the location of a computer screen orother relatively near object upon which a user fixates for long periodsof time. Thus, viewing such an object places convergence demand upon themuscles of the eyes and can result in strain and other symptoms of CVS.The resting point of vergence can be drawn in closer by designing thelenses to exhibit an amount of base-in prismatic power, according tomethods known in the art. The base-in prismatic power of the lenses 120can be set such that the user's resting point of vergence is located atapproximately the distance of, for example, the user's computer screenwhile the user is working at his computer. In some embodiments, each ofthe lenses 120 of the computer eyewear 110 are designed with base-inprismatic power of about 0.25-1.5 prism diopters. In other embodiments,however, the lenses 120 have approximately zero prismatic power.

A wide variety of materials can be used to form the lenses 120. The lensmaterial may be selected based upon properties of the material, such asrefractive index, strength, Abbe number, density, and hardness. Forexample, the lenses 120 can be formed of polycarbonate, glass, nylon,various polymers (e.g., CR-39), or plastic. In some embodiments,high-refractive index materials are used to allow for the design ofthinner, lighter lenses 120 that are more comfortable to wear toextended periods of time than eyewear 110 with lenses 120 made of alower-index material. For example, in some embodiments, the refractiveindex of the lens material lies approximately in the range between 1.498and 1.9, although the refractive index can be higher or lower.

The computer eyewear 110 can be effectively used by individuals withsubstantially normal (e.g., approximately 20/20) uncorrected vision. Theeyewear can also be effectively used by individuals with normalcorrected, or spectacle, vision. For example, users who wear contactlenses can effectively use the computer eyewear 110, in addition totheir contact lenses, while working at a computer to mitigate thesymptoms of CVS. Some embodiments of the computer eyewear 110 are alsodesigned to be worn by those individuals who wear prescriptioneyeglasses to correct their vision. For example, the computer eyewear110 can be designed to be worn over or attach to (e.g., clip-on eyewear)the user's prescription eyewear. In addition, in some embodiments, thecomputer eyewear 110 can be effectively used by individuals withoutnormal vision, such as for example, presbyopes. Various embodiments,however, are non-prescription, off-the-shelf products.

While certain symptoms of CVS are caused by straining of the eye musclesas a result of accommodation and convergence demand while viewing arelatively near object such as a computer screen for extended periods oftime, other symptoms are caused by the microclimate in the vicinity ofthe user's eyes. If the microclimate in the vicinity of the user's eyesbecomes too dry, dry eye syndrome can result, causing soreness andirritation of the eyes. This problem is particularly acute for computerusers because studies have shown that for most people blink rate tendsto decreases while viewing a computer screen. This problem isexacerbated in office environments by the relatively dry air from airconditioners as well as air currents from office HVAC systems that alsotend to dry out the eyes of a user. Extraneous light that enters theeyes from the peripheral regions of a user's vision can also worsen thesymptoms of CVS. For example, such extraneous light can result in glareand loss of contrast, which makes it more difficult for the user to viewa computer screen, for example.

In some embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 has a wrap-around designto mitigate the symptoms of CVS related to the microclimate in thevicinity of a user's eyes as well as to curtail the amount of extraneouslight that reaches the eyes. Wrap-around designs are not used inconventional computer eyewear. These designs are typically used toprovide protection against dust or other projectiles while participatingin outdoor recreational activities—protection that is generallyunnecessary in an office environment. However, a wrap-around design canalso help mitigate symptoms of CVS, especially when used in conjunctionwith other features described herein. Unlike conventional computereyewear, embodiments of the computer eyewear 110 with a wrap-arounddesign have a relatively high base curvature such that the computereyewear has wrap and conforms closely to the user's face both in thefrontal and peripheral regions of the user's vision. The wrap-arounddesign improves the microclimate in the vicinity of the user's eyes byreducing air currents around the eyes and by allowing for the formationof a pocket of air on the ocular side of the lenses 120 with increasedhumidity relative to the ambient air on the base curve side of thelenses. In some embodiments, the wrap-around design also reduces theamount of extraneous light that enters a user's eyes from the peripheralfield of vision.

One embodiment of computer eyewear 120 with a wrap-around design isillustrated in FIGS. 1-3. Unlike conventional computer eyewear,typically having a base curvature less than base 4, the base curvatureof the frame 115 and lenses 120 maintains a relatively close fit to theuser's face even at the peripheral regions of the user's field of view.In addition to closely following the curvature of a user's head, theframe 115 and lenses 120 of the eyewear 110 can be designed tocomplementarily follow the contours of a typical user's facial featuresto maintain a small separation distance between the frame 115 and theuser's face. For example, the frame 115 and lenses 120 can be designedto maintain no more than a small degree of separation with the user'sbrow and cheekbones.

In some embodiments, the separation between the brow and an upperaspect, such as the upper edge, of the frame 115 (e.g., in thez-direction) is 12 mm or less. For example, in some embodiments, theseparation between the brow and an upper aspect of the frame 115 isapproximately 2-5 mm. In some embodiments, the separation between thebrow and an upper aspect of the frame 115 is less than approximately 2mm. In some embodiments, the distance between the cheekbone and a loweraspect, such as the lower edge, of the frame 115 (e.g., in thez-direction) is less than 5 mm. For example, in some embodiments, theseparation between the cheekbone and a lower aspect of the frame isapproximately 1-3 mm. In some embodiments, the separation between thecheekbone and a lower aspect of the frame is less than approximately 1mm. In some embodiments, the separation between the temple region andthe frame 115 (e.g., in the z-direction) is 35 mm or less. For example,in some embodiments, the separation between the temple region and theframe 115 is approximately 5-10 mm. In some embodiments, the separationbetween the temple region and the frame 115 is less than approximately 5mm. In some circumstances, a standard anatomical human head form canserve as a useful indicator of dimensions of a typical user's head andfacial features.

Whereas in the case of conventional computer eyewear the peripheralregion of a user's field of view is left exposed, the computer eyewear110 of FIGS. 1-3 protects the user's eyes against air currents andextraneous light that could cause symptoms of CVS. In some embodiments,the computer eyewear 110 has a base curvature of base 5 or higher. Inother embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 has a base curvature of base6 or higher. In other embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 has a basecurvature of base 8 or higher. In other embodiments, the computereyewear 110 has a base curvature of base 10 or higher. As a result, theframe 115 and lenses 120 exhibit wrap. In addition, in some embodiments,the computer eyewear 110 is designed with an amount of pantoscopic tilt,or rake.

With reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments the lenses 120 extend fromtheir medial edge in the ±y-direction by a distance d1, and from thefront surface in the z-direction by a distance d2. In some embodiments,d1 is approximately 45-70 mm and d2 is approximately 20-40 mm. In someembodiments, the ratio of d1 to d2 is approximately 1.5-3.5.

The wrap-around computer eyewear 110 improves the microclimate in thevicinity of the user's eyes by blocking a portion of the air flow aroundthe eyes that exists when a user wears a conventional pair of computereyewear. Since air flow to the eyes is decreased, the amount of watervapor from the natural moisture of the eyes that is carried away by theair flow is also decreased. As a result, the air in a pocket formedaround the eyes by the wrap-around computer eyewear 110 has a higherlevel of humidity than the ambient air. The increased humidity in apocket of air trapped between the wrap-around computer eyewear 110 andthe user's face helps to reduce dryness of the eyes and other associatedsymptoms of CVS. While in some embodiments, all or portions of the frame115 of the computer eyewear 110 may be designed to be in physicalcontact with a user's face to form a sealed chamber around the eyes, inother embodiments, the microclimate around the user's eyes can beenhanced appreciably if all or portions of the frame 115 are designed toclosely conform to facial features, as described herein, though withoutforming a sealed chamber. Computer eyewear 110 that is not designed toform a sealed chamber around the eyes may be more comfortable to someusers than computer eyewear 110 with a sealed chamber around the eyes.

In some embodiments, the design of the computer eyewear 110 blockssufficient air flow around the eyes to allow for the percent relativehumidity of the air on the ocular curve-side of the eyewear 110 to reacha level that is ten percentage points higher than the percent relativehumidity of the ambient air. In some embodiments, the percent relativehumidity of the air on the ocular curve-side of the computer eyewear 110is at least about 40% or higher, while in some embodiments it lies inthe range between about 40% and 60%.

While the wrap-around configuration illustrated in the computer eyewear110 of FIGS. 1-3 advantageously helps to regulate the microclimatearound a user's eyes as well as blocking some extraneous light, undersome circumstances it can also have a deleterious impact on the opticalperformance of the lenses 120. For example, if the lenses 120 are cantedwith respect to a user's forward line of sight to provide wrap while thecomputer eyewear 110 is in the as-worn position, a degree of base-outprismatic power may be introduced along with other optical distortions.In addition, pantoscopic tilt can induce cylindrical optical power inthe lenses 120, along with other optical distortions. These opticaldistortions can, however, be corrected to a certain extent byimplementing decentered lenses in the computer eyewear 110.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of eyewear 410 with decentered lenses 420 for use ina wrap-around and/or raked design, according to one embodiment. Frontand rear surfaces of one of the decentered lenses 420 follow a first arc421 and a second arc 422, respectively. The first arc 421 is a portionof a circle with radius R1 and a center point C1. The first arc 421defines a convex surface. The second arc 422 defines a concave surfaceand is a portion of a circle with radius R2 that, in some embodiments,is greater than R1. The circle that defines the second arc 422 has acenter point C2 that is offset from C1. In some embodiments, the centerpoint C2 of the second arc 422 is set away from the lenses 420 and tothe medial side of C1. Thus, in some embodiments, the lenses 420 areconvex-concave lenses with an amount of positive optical power. In someembodiments, the lenses 420 have at least about +0.5 diopters ofpositive optical power.

In FIG. 4, an optical center line 470 is drawn between the center pointsC1 and C2. The optical center line 470 intersects the thickest portion(i.e., the optical center) of the lens 420. A geometric center of thelens 420 can be defined in ways known by those of skill in the art(e.g., at the intersection of an A line, that defines the horizontalwidth of the lens, with a B line, that defines the vertical height ofthe lens). In addition, a forward line of sight 460 is drawn to indicatethe direction of a user's line of sight while looking straight forward.As shown in FIG. 4, the optical center line 470 and the forward line ofsight 460 are separated by an angle θ. Thus, in one embodiment, theoptical center line 470 and the forward line of sight 460 are notparallel. In other embodiments, however, the optical center line 470 isparallel with the forward line of sight 460, while in still otherembodiments, the angle θ is negative as compared to how it isillustrated in FIG. 4.

The decentered lenses 420 can be configured to correct the base-outprismatic power that would otherwise be introduced in a non-decenteredlens due to the canted orientation of the lenses 420 in a wrap-arounddesign of computer eyewear. Reduction or correction of the base-outprismatic power can be accomplished by adding an amount of base-inprismatic power. The amount of prismatic power can be controlled byvarying the location of the center point C2 with respect to C1. Thisvariation can consequently vary the angle θ between the optical centerline 470 and the forward line of sight 460, as well as the distancebetween the center points C1 and C2.

One way of adding base-in prismatic power is to decenter the opticalcenter of the lens 420 medially with respect to the geometric center.For example, the lenses can be designed such that the distance betweenthe optical centers of the left and right lenses 420 is less than agiven pupillary distance such that the optical centers of the lenses 420are offset medially from the y positions of the user's pupils. Innon-prescription embodiments, the distance between optical centers ofthe left and right lenses 420 can be chosen with respect to a pupillarydistance that is representative of a wide range of users. For example,the population median pupillary distance of approximately 62 mm can bechosen, though the lenses 420 can also be designed for other pupillarydistances. In other embodiments, the optical center of the lens 420 canbe decentered laterally with respect to the geometric center.

In some embodiments, the decentered lenses 420 are configured to cancelout the base-out prismatic power otherwise introduced by the wrap-arounddesign so that the lenses 420 of the computer eyewear have substantiallyno prismatic power. In other embodiments, the decentered lenses 420 areconfigured to cancel out the base-out prismatic power as well as addingan amount of base-in prismatic power to reduce the convergence demandupon the eye muscles while viewing, for example, a relatively nearcomputer screen. The amount of prism induced by the decentration can becalculated with Prentice's Rule. Besides being decentered in the ±ydirection, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the optical centers of the lenses420 can also be decentered in the ±x direction to help correct opticaldistortions induced by pantoscopic tilt. For example, the opticalcenters of the lenses 420 can be decentered upward or downward withrespect to the geometric centers of the lenses 420 based on thepantoscopic tilt.

FIG. 5 is a magnified cross-sectional view of a lens 520 of FIG. 4.Several measurements of the lens 520 are indicated on FIG. 5, includingR1, R2, the lateral end thickness 501, the medial end thickness 502, andthe distance between the midpoint 503 of the lens 520 and the thickestpoint 504 of the lens 520. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the medial endthickness 502 and the lateral end thickness 501 are each less than thethickness of the lens 520 at the thickest point 504. Moreover, themedial end thickness 502 is greater than the lateral end thickness 501.The thickest point 504 of the lens 520 is closer to the medial edge thanto the lateral edge of the lens 520. As disclosed herein, the lens 520has a degree of positive optical power in some embodiments. Moreover,while FIG. 5 illustrates a converging convex-concave lens 420, in otherembodiments different types of converging lenses can be used.

In one embodiment, the lens 520 is a base 8 decentered lens with +0.5diopters of optical power. In this embodiment, the approximate values ofthe measurements of R1, R2, the lateral end thickness 501, the medialend thickness 502, and the distance between the midpoint 503 and thepoint of maximum thickness 504 are as follows: 63.75 mm, 68 mm, 0.9 mm,1.837 mm, and 7.9 mm, respectively. In another embodiment, the lens 520is a base 6 decentered lens with +0.5 diopters of optical power. In thisembodiment, the approximate values of the measurements of R1, R2, thelateral end thickness 501, the medial end thickness 502, and thedistance between the midpoint 503 and the point of maximum thickness 504are as follows: 85 mm, 92.72 mm, 1.1 mm, 2.084 mm, and 8.566 mm,respectively. These lenses have refractive indexes chosen to result inan optical power of +0.5 diopters.

In addition to the wrap-around design for computer eyewear disclosedherein, other features can also be used to enhance the microclimatearound a user's eyes. For example, some embodiments include removableside-shields that can reduce air flow to the eyes. FIG. 6 is aperspective view of eyewear 610 that includes removable side-shields 635for reducing symptoms of CVS. The computer eyewear 610 has a unitarylens with positive optical power, a frame 615, ear stems 625, and a nosepiece 430, as described herein. The computer eyewear 610 also includesremovable side-shields 635. The side-shields 635 are configured toremovably connect to and from the computer eyewear 610, thus permittingthe user to decide under what circumstances to use the side-shields. Theremovable side-shields 635 are configured, in shape and size, tosubstantially reduce air flow to the eyes from the lateral regions ofthe computer eyewear 610. For example, in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the removable side-shields 635 help to close the space betweenthe ear stems 625 and the side portion of a user's face, including thecheekbone and temple area.

In one embodiment, the dimensions of the removable side-shields 635 areapproximately 20-80 mm in the z dimension and approximately 15-50 mm inthe x dimension at the front of the computer eyewear, tapering down toapproximately 5 mm at the rear (e.g., nearer the user's ear). While,FIG. 6 illustrates computer eyewear 610 with a wrap-around design, theremovable side-shields 635 can also be used with computer eyewearwithout a wrap-around design.

The removable side-shields 635 have tabs 640 for removably fastening theside shields 635 to the frame 615 and ear stems 625 of the computereyewear 610. The tabs 640 are configured to complementarily mate withapertures 645 located in the frame 615 and ear stems 645 where they aresecurely held in place. In some embodiments, the removable side-shields635 attach to the frame 615 and/or ear stems 625 in a snap-on fashion.While FIG. 6 illustrates connection points between the tabs 635 andapertures 645 at the frame 615 and ear stems 625, the connection pointscould be limited to only the frame 615 or only the ear stems 625. Inaddition, the removable side-shields could connect to the lens 620, orto some other portion of the computer eyewear 620. While a suitabletab/aperture fastener for removably attaching the side shields 635 tothe computer eyewear 610 is illustrated in FIG. 6, those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that many different types of fastenerscould be used equally well. For example, friction fit fasteners, clawfasteners, sliding groove fasteners, or magnetic fasteners can all beused to removably attach the side shields 635 to the computer eyewear610 in various embodiments.

The removable side-shields 635 can be made of a variety of materials.For example, metals and plastics are suitable materials. In oneembodiment, the removable side-shields 635 are made of the same materialas the frame 615 and ear stems 625 of the computer eyewear 610. Inaddition, the removable side-shields 635 can be transmissive to light orsubstantially opaque. In embodiments where the removable side-shields635 are substantially opaque, they can perform the additional role ofreducing the amount of extraneous light that is incident upon the eyesfrom the user's peripheral field of vision, along with symptoms of CVSrelated to such extraneous light.

The lenses 120 of certain embodiments of the computer eyewear 110include one or more optical treatments to alter the optical performanceof the lenses 120. For example, the lenses 120 may include a partialminor coating that comprises one or more metal and/or dielectric layersformed on the lenses 120 (e.g., an aluminum coating, a λ4 stack, etc.).The partial minor coating can be formed by vacuum deposition, physicalvapor deposition, lamination of a sheet of reflective material on a lenssurface, for example, with an adhesive, or any other thin film coatingtechnology. In some embodiments, the partial mirror coating is at least15% reflective across all, or a portion of, the visible spectrum oflight from about 340 nm to about 780 nm. In some embodiments, thereflectivity of the partial mirror coating is greater than 95%reflective for all or a portion of the visible spectrum.

The lenses 120 can also include a tint. The tint may comprise a pigment,dye, optically absorptive layer, a photoreactive dye, or a tintingmaterial laminated onto a lens surface, for example. In addition, insome embodiments, the lenses 120 include an anti-reflective (AR)coating. The AR coating can comprise one or more thin films formed onthe surface of a lens through vacuum deposition, physical vapordeposition, lamination of an AR layer on a lens surface, or some othermethod.

In some embodiments, the optical treatments are uniform across thesurface of the lenses 120, while in other embodiments they arenon-uniform. Some embodiments include a first optical treatment that isuniform, and a second optical treatment that is non-uniform. Moreover,in some embodiments an optical treatment covers greater than 90% of asurface of the lenses 120, while in other embodiments the opticaltreatment covers 50%-90% of a lens surface, 10%-40% of a lens surface,or less than 10% of a lens surface.

Optical coatings and treatments such as the types described herein canbe used to spectrally filter light that passes through the lenses of thecomputer eyewear. This type of spectral filtering can be done to modifythe spectrum of light that is incident upon the eyes in ways that helpto reduce symptoms of CVS. For example, in some embodiments, opticalcoatings as well as other types of treatments are applied to the lensesto attenuate peaks in the spectra of typical fluorescent andincandescent lighting found in homes and offices. This can be done, forexample, with a partially transmissive mirror coating, tinting, acombination of the same, or the like.

FIG. 7 is a plot 700 of the visible spectral emission of a typicalfluorescent lamp. The curve 710 indicates power of the spectral emissionof the fluorescent lamp as a function of wavelength. The curve 710includes peaks 720, such as those seen at approximately 360 nm, 400 nm,440 nm, 550 nm, and 575 nm. A plot of the spectral emission of a typicalincandescent lamp, while not shown, has similar spectral peaks. Thespectral peaks in these typical sources of lighting can result in poorcontrast when viewing, for example, a computer screen. This in turn cancause the eyes to strain. People generally tend to prefer the viewingconditions presented by a more balanced spectrum as opposed to theviewing conditions under light with defined spectral peaks.

Therefore, some embodiments of the computer eyewear 110 include opticaltreatments applied to the lenses 120 to attenuate spectral peaks (e.g.,720) in various types of artificial lighting. For example, variousembodiments include optical treatments for attenuating spectral peaks influorescent lighting as seen in FIG. 7. Other embodiments can becustomized for other types of lighting or for fluorescent lighting withdifferent spectral peaks than those illustrated in FIG. 7. Opticaltreatments with the desired spectral characteristics for attenuatingspectral peaks in various types of lighting can be designed usingtechniques known in the art.

For example, in one embodiment, an optical treatment for attenuating thepeaks 720 in the lighting spectrum 710 shown in FIG. 7 has stop bands atapproximately 360 nm, 400 nm, 440 nm, 550 nm, and 575 nm. The positionsof the stop bands are selected to correspond to the positions of peaksin output spectrum 710 of the fluorescent lighting. The width of thestop bands, in a full width at half maximum sense, can be in the rangeof about 25 nm to about 150 nm wide in some embodiments, although thewidths may be larger or smaller. In some embodiments, the width of thestop band may substantially equal the spectral width of a peak 720 inthe emission spectrum of the lighting.

In some embodiments, the stop bands reduce the transmission of lightthrough the lenses 120 by at least about 50%. Furthermore, in someembodiments, the attenuation of transmitted light provided by each stopband is designed to be proportionate, or otherwise related, to theheight of the particular spectral peak which it is designed toattenuate. For example, the stop band at 440 nm can provide greaterattenuation than the stop band at 360 nm. The precise characteristics ofa spectral filter for attenuating peaks in the output spectrum 710 canvary widely, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Inthis way, the optical treatment advantageously balances the spectrum oflight that reaches a user's eyes. This balanced spectrum results in morenatural viewing conditions that can lessen eye strain. In a similarmanner, optical treatments can be designed to balance the spectrum ofincandescent lighting as well as other types of lighting.

Balancing the spectrum of ambient light (e.g., fluorescent officelighting) can also have other benefits. For example, in some cases thelight emitted from a backlit computer display does not share one or moreof the spectral peaks of the ambient lighting that the optical treatmentis designed to attenuate. In these cases, the optical treatmentpreferentially attenuates ambient lighting over light emitted from thecomputer display. In some circumstances, light that is incident upon theeyes from sources (e.g., overhead office lighting) other than a backlitcomputer display being viewed by the user can be considered as a sourceof optical “noise” that makes it more difficult for the user to view thecomputer display without straining. By preferentially attenuating lightfrom these sources of noise, the ratio of light from the computerdisplay to ambient lighting noise is increased, resulting in morecomfortable viewing of the computer display and reduced symptoms of CVS.

In some embodiments, the optical treatment for balancing the outputspectrum of fluorescent lighting, or any other type of lighting, is apartially transmissive minor coating. While a tint can also be used forthis purpose, the spectral characteristics of a partially transmissiveminor coating can generally be customized to a greater extent. Forexample, the spectral locations of various stop bands in a partiallytransmissive mirror coating can be customized to a greater extent thanin the case of tinting. In addition, these stop bands can be designed toattenuate incident light by a greater amount, making the stop bandsdeeper than is generally possible with tinting. Nevertheless, in otherembodiments, the optical treatment is a tint applied to the lenses ofthe computer eyewear 110 that attenuates transmitted light primarily byintroducing absorptive loss. In still other embodiments, the opticaltreatment comprises both a partially transmissive mirror coating as wellas an optically absorptive tint. The use of both a minor coating andtinting can be advantageous in that it allows for an extra degree offreedom to customize the spectral response of the optical treatment.

In some embodiments, the computer eyewear 110 includes opticaltreatments to provide spatial filtering of light that is incident uponthe lenses 120. Spatial filtering of light incident upon the lenses 110can be used to preferentially attenuate the transmission of, orotherwise alter, light originating from a selected direction within auser's field of view. This can be done, for example, by applying opticaltreatments to the lenses 120 that cause the optical characteristics ofthe lenses 120 to spatially vary across one or more lens surfaces. Insome embodiments, optical treatments that provide spatial filtering oflight can have broadband spectral characteristics such that they affectall visible wavelengths of light substantially equally (e.g., neutraldensity spatial filtering). In other embodiments, optical treatments forspatial filtering can be combined with separate optical treatments forperforming spectral filtering of incident light, as described herein. Instill other embodiments, a single optical treatment, such as a partiallytransmissive mirror coating or tint, can be designed to perform bothspectral and spatial filtering.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatment 800(illustrated as shading) for performing spatial filtering of lightincident upon a lens 803. The optical treatment 800 can be a partiallytransmissive mirror coating, tinting, a combination of the two, or thelike. The lens 803 includes a center region 801, which in someembodiments encompasses the mechanical center, or centroid, of the lens803. The lens 803 also includes periphery regions near the edge 802 ofthe lens 803. The periphery regions include an upper region, which canencompass, for example, any portion of the lens 803 nearer point A thanpoint B. The periphery regions can also include a lower region, whichcan encompass, for example, any portion of the lens 803 nearer point Bthan point A. For other lens shapes, the center, periphery, upper, andlower regions may be defined differently.

Point A is located in the vicinity of the upper region of the lens 803,while point B is located in the vicinity of the lower region of the lens803. The curve 852 of the graph 850 shows the transmission of lightthrough the lens 803 as a function of the position along the line ABthat is indicated on the lens 803. The dotted line 854 indicates thelevel of transmission of light through the lens in the absence of theoptical treatment 800 whose characteristics are illustrated by the curve852. For example, if the optical treatment 800 is a minor coating, thedotted line 854 represents the amount of incident light that istransmitted through the lens 803 in the absence of the minor coating,since not all incident light will be transmitted by the lens 803 even inregions with no minor coating due to some amount of Fresnel reflectionat the air-lens interface.

In this embodiment, the optical treatment 800 is configured such thatthe transmissivity of the lens 803 increases smoothly from point A topoint B. Thus, the curve 852 illustrates one embodiment where thetransmissivity of the lens 803 is lesser in the vicinity of the upperregion than in the vicinity of the middle and lower regions. In someembodiments, the transmissivity of the lens 803 in the lower region isat least about 15% less than in the upper region, and could be as muchas approximately 70% less. While a transmission curve 852 is onlyindicated along the line AB, it should be understood that similar curvescould be drawn for other lines between upper and lower regions of thelens 803 to indicate a generally lower transmissivity in the upperregions of the lens than in the lower regions, as roughly illustrated bythe shading on the lens 803. Furthermore, in other embodiments, thetransmission curve 852 can increase from A to B according to any othersmooth path, including a linear path. The transmission curve 852 can bemonotonic, but this is not required. Smooth transitions may be desirablein certain embodiments to avoid harsh transitions in the opticalcharacteristics of the lens 803 between different regions in a user'sfield of view. However, discontinuous jumps in the transmission curve852 are also possible and desirable in some situations. In fact, thetransmission curve 852 may include more than one discontinuous jump suchas, for example, a step transition from one level of transmissivity toanother.

In the case where the optical treatment 800 is a partially transmissiveminor coating, the decreased transmissivity of the lens in the upperregion is due principally to the fact that the reflectivity of themirror coating is greater in the upper region of the lens 803. Increasedreflectivity of the partially transmissive mirror coating near the upperregion can be accomplished, for example, by making the partiallytransmissive mirror coating thicker in the upper region of the lens 803.In the case where the optical treatment 800 is a tinting material,decreased transmissivity of the lens 803 in the upper region near pointA is due principally to increased absorptivity of the tinting materialin the upper region of the lens 803. In either case, however, the dottedline 854 indicates the level of transmissivity of the lens 803 in theabsence of the optical treatment 800. Thus, since the transmission curve752 reaches up to the dotted line 754, at least a portion of the lens803 is not affected by the optical treatment 800 in this embodiment.

Embodiments like the one illustrated in FIG. 8 where the transmissivityof the lens 803 in the upper region is lesser than the transmissivity ofthe lens in the middle and lower regions can be useful in preferentiallyattenuating the transmission of light that originates in a user's upperfield of view. For example, when a user is seated at a computerterminal, the optical treatment 800 which provides for decreasedtransmissivity in the upper region of the lens 803, preferentiallyattenuates overhead lighting. This can reduce glare from the overheadlighting and make for more comfortable viewing of a computer terminal,reducing various symptoms of CVS. In addition, the optical treatment 800can be configured to attenuate spectral peaks in the spectrum of theoverhead lighting, as described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a non-uniform optical treatment900 (illustrated by the shading on lens 903) for performing spatialfiltering of light incident upon a lens 903. The optical treatment 900can be a partially transmissive minor coating, tinting, a combination ofthe two, or the like. As described with reference to the lens 803 ofFIG. 8, the lens 903 includes a center region 901 as well as peripheryregions. The periphery regions include an upper region, and a lowerregion. The periphery regions also include first and second sideregions, which can encompass, for example, any portion of the lens 903nearer point C than point D for the first region, or nearer point D thanpoint C for the second region.

Point A is located in the vicinity of the upper region of the lens 903,while point B is located in the vicinity of the lower region of the lens903. The curve 952 of the graph 950 shows the transmission of lightthrough the lens 903 as a function of position along the line AB that isindicated on the lens 903. The dotted line 954 indicates the level oftransmission of light through the lens in the absence of the opticaltreatment whose characteristics are illustrated by the curve 952.Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the optical treatmentis configured such that the transmissivity of the lens 903 increasessmoothly from point A to point B.

Point C is located in the vicinity of the first side region of the lens903, while point D is located in the vicinity of the second side regionof the lens 903. Similarly to curve 952, curve 958 of the graph 956shows optical transmission versus position on the lens. However, curve958 shows the transmissivity profile of the lens along line CD. Again,the dotted line 960 indicates the level of transmission of light throughthe lens in the absence of the optical treatment 900 whosecharacteristics are illustrated by the curve 958. The optical treatment900 is configured such that the transmissivity of the lens 903 variessmoothly from point C to point D and is lesser in the vicinity of thefirst and second side portions than in the vicinity of the middleregion.

While only two transmission curves 952 and 958 are indicated for thelens 903, it should be understood that similar curves could be drawn forother lines on the lens 903 to indicate a generally lower transmissivityin the upper and side regions of the lens than in the middle andlower-middle regions, as roughly illustrated by the shading on lens 903.In some embodiments, the transmissivity of the lens 903 varies smoothly,whether monotonically or not, from the upper and side regions to themiddle and lower-middle regions. In other embodiments, thetransmissivity can discontinuously jump between one or more levels oftransmissivity.

Embodiments where the transmissivity of the lens 903 in the upper andside regions is lesser than the transmissivity of the lens 903 in themiddle and lower-middle regions can be useful in preferentiallyattenuating the transmission of light that originates in the upper andside portions of a user's field of view. For users working at acomputer, this type of spatial filtering selectively attenuates lightfrom most sources other than a computer screen located in the middleregion of a user's field of view, as well as a desk area located in alower region of the user's field of vision. This type of embodimentreduces glare, not only from overhead lighting, but also from othersources of light, including reflections, in other portions of the user'speriphery field of view.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an optical treatment 1000 forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens 1003.Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the lens 1003includes an optical treatment 1000 that causes the upper and sideregions of the lens 1003 to have a lesser transmissivity than the middleand lower-middle portions. The optical treatment 1000 can be a partiallytransmissive minor coating, tint, a combination of the two, or the like.A distinctive feature of the optical treatment 1000 in this embodimentis that it establishes a baseline level of reduced transmission of lightover substantially the entire lens 1003 surface. The level oftransmission of light through the lens 1003 then decreases from thebaseline level in some regions of the lens 1003.

The baseline level of reduced transmission of light through the lens1003 is illustrated by the gap between the dotted line 1054 and thetransmission curve 1052 in graph 1050, as well as between the dottedline 1060 and the transmission curve 1058 in graph 1056. As before, thedotted lines 1054 and 1060 indicate the level of transmission of lightthrough the lens 1003 in the absence of the optical treatment 1000 whosecharacteristics are illustrated by the transmission curves 1052 and1058. The gaps show that the optical treatment 1000 applied to the lens1003 at least partially attenuates the transmission of light oversubstantially the entire lens surface and provides a baseline level ofattenuation of transmitted light.

For example, a partially transmissive mirror coating can be applied tosubstantially the entire lens 1003. The mirror coating can be configuredto provide a minimum level of reflectivity in the regions of the lens1003 where the transmission of light through the lens 1003 is greatest.For the embodiment of FIG. 10, the regions of greatest transmissivityare the middle and lower-middle regions of the lens. The reflectivity ofthe minor coating then increases toward the upper and side regions ofthe lens 1003 where the transmissivity is less. Thus, the minor coatingprovides a baseline level of reflectivity over the lens 1003, withincreased reflectivity in certain regions, rather than providing amirror coating over a portion of the lens 1003 only. In anotherembodiment, a similar effect is achieved by treating the lens 1003 witha tint. The tint can be applied over substantially the entire lens 1003to provide a non-zero baseline level of absorptivity, with increasedabsorptivity in certain regions of the lens 1003. For example, the tintcan be configured to provide increased absorptivity in the upper andside regions of the lens 1003 to attenuate the transmission of lightthrough the lens 1003 in those areas.

In some embodiments, the baseline amount of attenuation in thetransmissivity of the lens 1003 is provided by a first opticaltreatment, while increased attenuation in certain regions of the lens1003 is provided by a second optical treatment. Each optical treatmentcan be substantially neutral density, or can spectrally filter incidentlight as described above. For example, a uniform tint can be applied tothe lens 1003 to provide a baseline amount of decreased transmissivityof the lens. A non-uniform partially transmissive mirror coating canthen be applied to decrease the transmissivity of the lens in certainregions more than in others.

In one embodiment, the tint acts as a spectral filter that tends tobalance the spectrum of fluorescent or incandescent lighting in anoffice environment, as described herein. The tint can be substantiallyuniform so as to establish a baseline decrease in the transmission oflight through the lens 1003 over substantially its entire surface. Amirror coating can then be used to provide spatial filtering of incidentlight to reduce glare from, for example, overhead lighting. In anotherembodiment, the roles of the tint and the mirror coating are reversedsuch that the minor coating is applied to the lens 1003 to provide abaseline reduction in the transmissivity of the lens 1003, while thetint is applied to provide spatial filtering of incident light. Otherdesigns are also possible.

It should be understood that, while FIG. 10 illustrates embodimentswhere a baseline reduction in the transmissivity of the lens 1003 isprovided along with increased reductions to the transmissivity of thelens in the upper and side regions, in other embodiments other regionsof the lens 1003 can have increased attenuation beyond the baselinelevel. Furthermore, the attenuation of the transmissivity of the lens1003 can vary smoothly (whether monotonically or not), as roughlyillustrated by the shading on lens 1003, or discontinuously.

In addition to providing optical treatments to selectively attenuate thetransmission of light through various regions of a lens, someembodiments include optical treatments for selectively altering theamount of light that is reflected from a surface of a lens. For example,an optical treatment can be provided that selectively reduces the amountof light that originates generally from beside and behind a user that isreflected from the ocular curve of a lens into the eyes. One suchembodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an optical treatment 1100 forperforming spatial filtering of light incident upon a lens 1103. In thisembodiment, the optical treatment 1100 is an AR coating applied to theocular curve, or eye-side surface, of the lens 1103, though in someembodiments it is a partially transmissive minor coating or tint appliedto either the base or ocular curve. As in FIGS. 8-10, the lens 1103includes a center region 1101 and peripheral regions. The peripheralregions include an upper region, a lower region, and first and secondside regions.

Point A is located in the vicinity of the upper region of the lens 1103,while point B is located in the vicinity of the lower region of the lens1103. The curve 1152 of the graph 1150 shows reflection of light fromthe lens 1103 as a function of position along the line AB. Likewise, thecurve 1158 of the graph 1156 shows reflection of light from the lens1103 as a function of position along the line CD. In this embodiment,the AR coating is configured such that the reflectivity of the lens 1103is lesser in the periphery regions than in the middle region. In fact,the reflectivity of the lens decreases smoothly from the middle regionof the lens, represented on the graphs 1150 and 1156 as the portionbetween points A and B and between points C and D, though in otherembodiments the reflectivity may vary discontinuously.

Thus, FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment where the characteristics of theoptical treatment vary according to a gradient extending radially from acenter location. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates an optical treatmentwith an annular gradient. Contour lines of the gradient illustrated inFIG. 11 will generally have closed paths. In some embodiments, thecontour lines of the gradient are substantially circular, though theycould be elliptical or have any other closed path. In some embodiments,an optical treatment with this type of gradient is formed on a lens bypatterning the gradient on a thin film and then laminating the thin filmonto a surface of the lens. This thin film can be, for example, atinting layer, a minor coating layer, or an AR coating layer.

The AR coating represented by FIG. 11 is effective at reducing glarefrom light that originates generally from behind a user and is incidentupon the ocular curve of the lens 1103. For example, in an officeenvironment if a window is located behind the user, light from thewindow could reflect from the ocular side of the lens 1103 and into theuser's eye, resulting in increased glare and associated symptoms of CVS.However, since the AR coating represented in FIG. 11 is located on theocular curve of the lens 1103, it is effective at decreasing glare fromlighting that originates generally behind the user but that is notblocked by the user's head. The AR coating can be configured to decreasethe reflectivity of the lens 1103 more substantially in the peripheralregions of the lens than in the middle region since light that reflectsfrom the middle region of the ocular side of the lens 1103 is lesslikely to be re-directed into the user's eyes. In other embodiments, theAR coating may be substantially uniform over the surface of the ocularside of the lens 1103. In some embodiments, an AR coating can also beformed on the base side of the lens 1103.

Various embodiments of improved computer eyewear have been disclosedherein. In some embodiments, the embodiments of computer eyewear areoff-the-shelf, non-prescription eyewear. Since the computer eyewear isnon-prescription eyewear, it can be mass manufactured without knowledgeof the optometric prescriptions of the end-users for which the eyewearis intended. Once manufactured, sets of the computer eyewear can bepackaged together for shipping to retailers. A package can includemultiple sets of the eyewear with identical optical power, or sets ofcomputer eyewear with several different amounts of optical power. Forexample, the package could include three or more pairs of eyewear,though the number can vary. The computer eyewear can also be packaged aspart of a kit that also includes instructions for proper usage of theeyewear. For example, the instructions can direct the user to view acomputer screen with the eyewear. The kit can also include removableside-shields for use with the eyewear.

While certain embodiments of computer eyewear have been explicitlydescribed herein, other embodiments will become apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure. Therefore, the scopeof the inventions is intended to be defined by reference to the claimsand not simply with regard to the explicitly described embodiments.Furthermore, while some embodiments have been described in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, a wide variety of variation is possible.For example, components, and/or elements may be added, removed, orrearranged.

1. Stock computer eyewear comprising: first and second lens portions forviewing a screen; and a frame portion to support the first and secondlens portions, wherein the first and second lens portions are configuredto selectively attenuate the transmission of a spectral peak in theemission of fluorescent lighting through the first and second lensportions.
 2. The stock computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the firstand second lens portions have substantially equal optical power toprovide non-prescription correction for viewing a screen.
 3. The stockcomputer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first and second lens portionscomprise an optical filter whose transmission curve in the visiblespectrum has a feature to selectively attenuate the transmission of thespectral peak in the emission of fluorescent lighting through theoptical filter.
 4. The stock computer eyewear of claim 3, wherein thefeature has a width that corresponds to that of the spectral peak. 5.The stock computer eyewear of claim 3, wherein the feature coincideswith a single spectral peak in the emission of fluorescent lighting. 6.The stock computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the eyewear is configuredto have a wrap-around design.
 7. The stock computer eyewear of claim 1,wherein the eyewear has a base curvature of at least base six.
 8. Thestock computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the eyewear has a basecurvature of at least base eight.
 9. The stock computer eyewear of claim1, wherein the first and second lens portions respectively comprisefirst and second lenses, and wherein a ratio of a transversemeasurement, d1, of the first and second lenses to a depth measurement,d2, of the first and second lenses is approximately 1.5-3.5.
 10. Thestock computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first and second lensportions respectively comprise first and second lenses, and wherein thefirst and second lenses comprise decentered lenses.
 11. The stockcomputer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first and second lens portionsrespectively comprise first and second lenses having optical centersoffset from geometric centers.
 12. The stock computer eyewear of claim11, wherein the first and second optical centers are offset mediallyfrom the first and second geometric centers, respectively.
 13. The stockcomputer eyewear of claim 1, wherein the first lens portion comprises afirst lens having a first lateral edge and a first medial edge, thefirst lens having a greater thickness at the first medial edge than atthe first lateral edge, and wherein the second lens portion comprises asecond lens having a second lateral edge and a second medial edge, thesecond lens having a greater thickness at the second medial edge than atthe second lateral edge.
 14. The stock computer eyewear of claim 1,wherein the eyewear has a wrap-around design that is configured toconform closely to the facial features of a standard anatomical humanhead form, both frontally and peripherally, and wherein the first andsecond lens portions comprise first and second lenses that areconfigured to provide less than about 12 mm of separation between thebrow of the standard anatomical human head form and the upper aspect ofthe lenses.
 15. The stock computer eyewear of claim 1, wherein theeyewear is configured to provide that humidity on the ocular side of thelens portions is at least about 10 percentage points higher than that onthe opposite side of the lens portions.
 16. The stock computer eyewearof claim 1, wherein the first and second lens portions have ananti-reflective coating on both sides of the respective lens portions.17. Stock computer eyewear comprising: first and second powered lensportions with substantially equal optical power to providenon-prescription assistance for viewing a screen; and a frame portion tosupport the first and second lens portions, wherein the eyewear isconfigured to have a wrap-around design, and wherein the first andsecond lens portions respectively comprise first and second lenses, andwherein a ratio of a transverse measurement, d1, of the first and secondlenses to a depth measurement, d2, of the first and second lenses isapproximately 1.5-3.5.
 18. The stock computer eyewear of claim 17,wherein the eyewear has a base curvature of at least base six.
 19. Thestock computer eyewear of claim 17, wherein the eyewear has a basecurvature of at least base eight.
 20. The stock computer eyewear ofclaim 17, wherein the first and second lens portions respectivelycomprise first and second lenses, and wherein the first and secondlenses comprise decentered lenses.
 21. The stock computer eyewear ofclaim 17, wherein the first and second lens portions respectivelycomprise first and second lenses having optical centers offset fromgeometric centers.
 22. The stock computer eyewear of claim 21, whereinthe first and second optical centers are offset medially from the firstand second geometric centers, respectively.
 23. The stock computereyewear of claim 17, wherein the first lens portion comprises a firstlens having a first lateral edge and a first medial edge, the first lenshaving a greater thickness at the first medial edge than at the firstlateral edge, and wherein the second lens portion comprises a secondlens having a second lateral edge and a second medial edge, the secondlens having a greater thickness at the second medial edge than at thesecond lateral edge.
 24. The stock computer eyewear of claim 17, whereinthe eyewear has a wrap-around design that is configured to conformclosely to the facial features of a standard anatomical human head form,both frontally and peripherally, and wherein the first and second lensportions comprise first and second lenses that are configured to provideless than about 12 mm of separation between the brow of the standardanatomical human head form and the upper aspect of the lenses.
 25. Thestock computer eyewear of claim 17, wherein the eyewear is configured toprovide that humidity on the ocular side of the lens portions is atleast about 10 percentage points higher than that on the opposite sideof the lens portions.
 26. Stock computer eyewear comprising: first andsecond powered lens portions with substantially equal optical power toprovide non-prescription assistance for viewing a screen; and a frameportion to support the first and second lens portions, wherein theeyewear is configured to have a wrap-around design, wherein the firstand second lens portions respectively comprise first and second lenseshaving optical centers offset from geometric centers, and wherein thefirst and second optical centers are offset medially from the first andsecond geometric centers, respectively.
 27. The stock computer eyewearof claim 26, wherein the first and second lens portions comprise anoptical filter whose transmission curve in the visible spectrum has afeature to selectively attenuate the transmission of the spectral peakin the emission of fluorescent lighting through the optical filter. 28.The stock computer eyewear of claim 27, wherein the feature has a widththat corresponds to that of the spectral peak.
 29. The stock computereyewear of claim 27, wherein the feature coincides with a singlespectral peak in the emission of fluorescent lighting.
 30. The stockcomputer eyewear of claim 26, wherein the eyewear has a base curvatureof at least base six.
 31. The stock computer eyewear of claim 26,wherein the eyewear has a base curvature of at least base eight.
 32. Thestock computer eyewear of claim 26, wherein the first lens has a firstlateral edge and a first medial edge, the first lens having a greaterthickness at the first medial edge than at the first lateral edge, andwherein the second lens has a second lateral edge and a second medialedge, the second lens having a greater thickness at the second medialedge than at the second lateral edge.
 33. The stock computer eyewear ofclaim 26, wherein the eyewear has a wrap-around design that isconfigured to conform closely to the facial features of a standardanatomical human head form, both frontally and peripherally, and whereinthe first and second lens portions comprise first and second lenses thatare configured to provide less than about 12 mm of separation betweenthe brow of the standard anatomical human head form and the upper aspectof the lenses.
 34. The stock computer eyewear of claim 26, wherein theeyewear is configured to provide that humidity on the ocular side of thelens portions is at least about 10 percentage points higher than that onthe opposite side of the lens portions.
 35. The stock computer eyewearof claim 26, wherein the first and second lenses have an anti-reflectivecoating on both sides of the respective lenses.
 36. Stock computereyewear comprising: first and second powered lens portions withsubstantially equal optical power to provide non-prescription assistancefor viewing a screen; and a frame portion to support the first andsecond lens portions, wherein the eyewear is configured to have awrap-around design, and wherein the eyewear has a wrap-around designthat is configured to conform closely to the facial features of astandard anatomical human head form, both frontally and peripherally,and wherein the first and second lens portions comprise first and secondlenses that are configured to provide less than about 12 mm ofseparation between the brow of the standard anatomical human head formand the upper aspect of the lenses.
 37. The stock computer eyewear ofclaim 36, wherein the first and second lens portions comprise an opticalfilter whose transmission curve in the visible spectrum has a feature toselectively attenuate the transmission of the spectral peak in theemission of fluorescent lighting through the optical filter.
 38. Thestock computer eyewear of claim 37, wherein the feature has a width thatcorresponds to that of the spectral peak.
 39. The stock computer eyewearof claim 37, wherein the feature coincides with a single spectral peakin the emission of fluorescent lighting.
 40. The stock computer eyewearof claim 36, wherein the eyewear has a base curvature of at least basesix.
 41. The stock computer eyewear of claim 36, wherein the eyewear hasa base curvature of at least base eight.
 42. The stock computer eyewearof claim 36, wherein the first and second lens portions respectivelycomprise first and second lenses, and wherein the first and secondlenses comprise decentered lenses.
 43. The stock computer eyewear ofclaim 36, wherein the first and second lens portions respectivelycomprise first and second lenses having optical centers offset fromgeometric centers.
 44. The stock computer eyewear of claim 36, whereinthe first lens portion comprises a first lens having a first lateraledge and a first medial edge, the first lens having a greater thicknessat the first medial edge than at the first lateral edge, and wherein thesecond lens portion comprises a second lens having a second lateral edgeand a second medial edge, the second lens having a greater thickness atthe second medial edge than at the second lateral edge.
 45. The stockcomputer eyewear of claim 36, wherein the eyewear is configured toprovide that humidity on the ocular side of the lens portions is atleast about 10 percentage points higher than that on the opposite sideof the lens portions.
 46. The stock computer eyewear of claim 36,wherein the first and second lens portions have an anti-reflectivecoating on both sides of the respective lens portions.